Part 1
“Make a toast Bodie.”
The silverware clinked against Lillian Potter’s good china as guests shifted to look at their host, tall and handsome in his burgundy sweater and gray slacks. Clearing his throat and giving Bessie a warm smile he began. “Well, it’s Christmas time again and as I look at our little table I’m reminded of how lucky we are. We have some new friends,” he raised his glass towards the four guests staying at the B&B for the weekend, “and a prosperous business. And my family is here. My baby sister,” Joey smiled softly, “my son,” Alexander was busy spitting out his turkey and painting his high chair with cranberry sauce, “and my girl.”
Bessie mouthed an “I love you,” her eyes shining.
“And then there’s Handyman Witter,” Bodie said giving Pacey a teasing grin. Pacey smiled back good-naturedly. “Pacey Witter,” Bodie continued, “and what can you say about him?”
“You could say the ‘handy’ in handyman might be pushing it as an accurate description,” Bessie offered with a snide grin. “’Man’ might be pushing it too.”
Pacey pouted a little. Joey kissed him on the cheek. “Pacey’s a very handy man,” she announced cheekily. Pacey smiled and grabbed her thigh under the table, making her jump. Alexander spit out some peas and pounded on his highchair tray. Pacey waved to him.
“Paw, Paw....seeee!” Alex gurgled excitedly. Laughter filled the room as Alex reached for his sister’s boyfriend. Pacey made googly eyes at the baby, who giggled and blew spit bubbles.
Bodie raised his glass in Pacey’s direction again. “Pacey Witter helped build this B&B, he helped make this a home for my family. He’s in love with Joey. I caught them in a compromising position just this morning, in fact.” Bessie glared at the boy, who promptly cast his eyes down to his plate, his face flushed maroon. “And what I meant to say is that it’s really nice to have the whole family in the room. Pacey you’re family. And Joey isn’t the only one that loves you here. Merry Christmas everyone.” Bodie raised his glass and the room followed suit. Pacey smiled wanly and excused himself quickly, heading to the bathroom. Joey was a step behind him.
“Pace, what’s wrong?” She knocked on the bathroom door quietly. When she received no response she slowly turned the knob, entering and finding Pacey sitting on the edge of the tub, wiping his eyes. “Pacey?” She came to a rest before him, kneeling, hands on his thighs.
He looked up at her, a trace of a smile of his face, eyes wet. “I love being a part of your family Jo,” he whispered. Bringing her up to him, framing her face with his hands, he held her to him in a warm embrace. “Thank for loving me.”
“Right back at you Witter.” And Joey brought her lips to his. The kiss lasted just a moment and the young couple clung to each other, Joey’s head nestled in the curve of his neck and shoulder as the noise of dishes being done, Christmas carols, and a crackling fireplace hung around them like the morning fog on the creek.